Curved display, display case, and electronic device including the same

ABSTRACT

An electronic device having a curved surface display area, the electronic device including: a display including: glass including an edge having a certain curvature; an opaque layer disposed at the edge of the glass; and a panel module layer including a non-display area disposed under the opaque layer; and a housing supporting the display.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/709,996 filed on May 12, 2015 in the United States Patentand Trademark Office, which claims priorities from Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2014-0116501, filed on Sep. 2, 2014 in the KoreanIntellectual Property Office, Korean Patent Application No.10-2015-0012601 filed on Jan. 27, 2015 in the Korean IntellectualProperty Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Aspects of one or more exemplary embodiments relate to a curved display,a display case, and an electronic device having the same.

2. Background

A conventional electronic device, such as a smartphone, provides a flatscreen related to various user functions.

To extend a display area of such conventional electronic device, thesize of a flat display area should be increased, causing an increase inthe overall size of the electronic device. Such an increase in size maydegrade the portability of an electronic device, particularly, a mobileelectronic device, such as a smartphone.

SUMMARY

Aspects of one or more exemplary embodiments are directed to providing adisplay having a curved display area, to extend a display area whilemaintaining a certain size, and an electronic device including the same.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided adevice including: a housing including an opening with a first sideextending in a first direction in at least a part of a surface of thehousing; a substantially transparent external protective layer includinga curved first surface, the curved first surface including a first edgedisposed within the opening, the first edge extending in the firstdirection adjacent to the first side; a panel module layer including asecond edge disposed within the opening, the second edge being curved toconform to the curved first surface, the second edge being adjacent tothe first side and extending in the first direction, the panel modulelayer being a flexible panel module layer including a non-display areaextending in the first direction along the second edge, the non-displayarea having a first width in a second direction perpendicular to thefirst direction; and an opaque layer disposed within the opening, theopaque layer being interposed between the external protective layer andthe panel module layer, the opaque layer extending in the firstdirection adjacent to the first side, the opaque layer having a secondwidth in the second direction, wherein the second width of the opaquelayer is configured to cover at least a portion of the non-display areain a direction of the first width.

The panel module layer may include a display layer including a firstface facing the external protective layer and a second face facing awayfrom the external protective layer, and the device may further include asealing layer disposed at a side of the second face of the panel modulelayer.

The device may further include a touch sensing layer curved to conformto the curved first surface, the touch sensing layer including a thirdedge adjacent to the first edge, the touch sensing layer being disposedbetween the external protective layer and the panel module layer.

The external protective layer may further include a substantially flatsecond surface extending from the first surface.

At least one of a geography and a location of the opaque layer isconfigured so that the opaque layer covers a part of the non-displayarea in a normal direction to the curved first surface.

The device may further include a first adhesive layer disposed betweenthe external protective layer and the panel module layer.

The device may further include at least one of: an electromagneticinduction panel disposed under the panel module layer, theelectromagnetic induction panel having a certain curvature; and aheat-dissipating sheet disposed under the electromagnetic inductionpanel, the heat-dissipating sheet having a certain curvature.

The external protective layer and the panel module layer together mayinclude: a first curved surface part having a first curvature; a flatsurface part contiguous to the first curved surface part; and a secondcurved surface part contiguous to the flat surface part, the secondcurved surface part having a second curvature.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided anelectronic device having a curved surface display area, the electronicdevice including: a display including: glass including an edge having acertain curvature; an opaque layer disposed at the edge of the glass;and a panel module layer including a non-display area disposed under theopaque layer; and a housing supporting the display.

The housing may include a groove, and the non-display area may beinserted in the groove.

The housing may include: a rail groove formed in a longitudinaldirection to a surface of the housing facing the display; and aprotective member inserted into the rail groove.

The housing may include a guard disposed higher than a surface of thedisplay and covering an edge of the display.

The housing may include: an auxiliary groove formed in at least a partof an external surface of the housing; and a reinforcing member disposedin the auxiliary groove, the reinforcing member being configured toabsorb or disperse a shock.

The housing may include: a curved surface support part facing an end ofthe display; a rail groove disposed in a side surface of the curvedsurface support part; and a shock absorbing member disposed in the railgroove.

The housing may include a battery placing part biased, with respect to acenter line of the electronic device, towards a surface display area ofthe display having a lower curvature than that of the curved surfacedisplay area.

An end portion of the curved surface display area may be substantiallystraight.

An upper surface of the housing may face the end portion of the curvedsurface display area, the upper surface including a flat surface.

The electronic device may further include an adhesive member disposed onat least a part of an edge between the display and the housing.

The electronic device may be a wearable device.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided anelectronic device having a curved surface display area, the electronicdevice including: a display including: glass including an edge having acertain curvature; and a panel module layer protruding over an end ofthe glass, the panel module layer including a non-display area; and ahousing including a groove into which the non-display area is inserted.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided adisplay including: a display panel including a display surface, thedisplay surface including a display region and a non-display region; asubstantially transparent protective layer disposed on the displaysurface; and an opaque layer disposed between the protective layer andthe display panel, the opaque layer covering a portion of thenon-display region.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided adisplay case for a display having a curved edge and including asubstantially transparent protective layer, an opaque layer disposed atthe curved edge under the protective layer, and a display panelincluding a non-display area disposed under the opaque layer, thedisplay case including: a housing configured to support the display.

The housing may include a groove configured to receive the non-displayarea.

The housing may include: a rail groove formed in a longitudinaldirection on a surface of the housing facing the display when thehousing supports the display; and a protective member inserted in therail groove.

The housing may include a guard disposed to be higher than a surface ofthe display and covering an edge of the display when the housingsupports the display.

The housing may include: an auxiliary groove formed in at least a partof an external surface of the housing; and a reinforcing member disposedin the auxiliary groove configured to absorb or disperse a shock.

The housing may include: a curved surface support part configured tosupport the curved edge of the display; a rail groove disposed in a sidesurface of the curved surface support part; and a shock absorbing memberdisposed in the rail groove.

The housing may include a battery repository configured to receive abattery, the batter repository being biased towards an edge of thedisplay having a lower curvature than the curved edge.

An end portion of the curved edge of the display may be substantiallystraight.

The housing may include a substantially flat upper surface facing theend portion when the housing supports the display.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a front side of an electronic deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a side of an electronic deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a cross-section view and a magnified cross-section view of aside of a curved surface part according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a cross-section view of a side of a curved surface partaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2C is a cross-section view of a second curved surface support partaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating a front view of a part of anelectronic device according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3B is an exploded view of an electronic device according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating element arrangement of an electronicdevice according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates falling states of an electronic device according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a case on which a display is placed according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of an electronic device in which areinforcing member is disposed according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of an electronic device in which a shockabsorbing member is disposed according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates curved surface parts according to one or moreexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates an electronic device having a symmetric curvedsurface structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates a reinforcing structure of an electronic devicehaving a symmetric curved surface structure according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a wearable device including a curved surface displayarea according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, one or more exemplary embodiments will be described indetail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it shouldbe understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specificdescribed exemplary embodiments, but rather includes variousmodifications, equivalents and/or alternatives of the describedexemplary embodiments. With regard to the drawings, like referencenumerals may refer to like elements.

The terms “have”, “may have”, “include”, “may include” or “comprise”used herein indicates the existence of a corresponding feature (e.g., anumber, a function, an operation, or an element) and does not excludethe existence of an additional feature.

The terms “A or B”, “at least one of A and/or B”, or “one or more of Aand/or B” may include all possible combinations of items listedtogether. For example, the term “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, or“at least one of A or B” may indicate all the cases of (1) including atleast one A, (2) including at least one B, and (3) including at leastone A and at least one B.

The terms “first”, “second” or the like used herein may modify variouselements regardless of order and/or priority, but does not limit theelements. Such terms may be used to distinguish one element from anotherelement. For example, “a first user device” and “a second user device”may indicate different user devices regardless of order or priority.Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a firstelement may be referred to as a second element and vice versa.

It will be understood that when a certain element (e.g., a firstelement) is referred to as being “operatively or communicatively coupledwith/to” or “connected to” another element (e.g., a second element), thecertain element may be coupled to the other element directly or viaanother element (e.g., a third element). When a certain element (e.g., afirst element) is referred to as being “directly coupled” or “directlyconnected” to another element (e.g., a second element), there may be nointervening element (e.g., a third element) between the element and theother element.

The term “configured (or set) to” may be interchangeably used with theterms “suitable for”, “having the capacity to”, “designed to”, “adaptedto”, “made to”, or “capable of”. The term “configured (or set) to” maynot necessarily have the meaning of “specifically designed to”. In somecases, the term “device configured to” may indicate that the device “mayperform” together with other devices or components. For example, theterm “processor configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C” mayrepresent a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) forperforming a corresponding operation, or a generic-purpose processor(e.g., a CPU or an application processor) for executing at least oneitem of software instruction or program stored in a memory device toperform a corresponding operation.

The terminology used herein is not for delimiting the presentdisclosure, but for describing specific exemplary embodiments. Singularforms may include plural forms unless otherwise specified. The termsused herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the samemeanings as would be understood by those skilled in the art.Commonly-used terms defined in a dictionary may be interpreted as havingmeanings that are the same as or similar to contextual meanings definedin the related art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized oroverly formal sense unless explicitly defined otherwise. Depending oncontext, even terms defined herein should not be such interpreted so asto exclude one or more exemplary embodiments.

An electronic device according to one or more exemplary embodiments mayinclude at least one of a smartphone, a tablet personal computer (PC), amobile phone, a video telephone, an electronic book reader, a desktopPC, a laptop PC, a netbook computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA),a portable multimedia player (PMP), an MP3 player, a mobile medicaldevice, a camera or a wearable device (e.g., smartglasses, ahead-mounted device (HMD), electronic apparel, an electronic bracelet,an electronic necklace, an electronic appcessory, an electronic tattooor a smartwatch).

In some exemplary embodiments, the electronic device may be a smart homeappliance. The smart home appliance may include at least one of, forexample, a television (TV), a DVD player, an audio player, arefrigerator, an air conditioner, a cleaner, an oven, a microwave oven,a washing machine, an air cleaner, a set-top box, a home automationcontrol panel, a security control panel, a TV box (e.g., SamsungHomeSync™, Apple TV™, or Google TV™), a game console (e.g., Xbox™,PlayStation™), an electronic dictionary, an electronic key, a camcorder,or an electronic picture frame.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the electronic device may includeat least one of various medical devices (e.g., various portable medicalmeasurement devices: a blood glucose measuring device, a heart ratemeasuring device, a blood pressure measuring device, or a bodytemperature measuring device, a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)device, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, a computed tomography(CT) device, a scanner, or an ultrasonic device), a navigation device, aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver, an event data recorder (EDR),a flight data recorder (FDR), a vehicle infotainment device, electronicequipment for vessels (e.g., a navigation system or a gyrocompass),avionics, a security device, a head unit for a vehicle, an industrial orhome robot, an automatic teller's machine (ATM), a point of sale (POS)device of a store, or an Internet of things device (e.g., a bulb,various sensors, an electric or gas meter, a sprinkler, a fire alarm, athermostat, a streetlamp, a toaster, exercise equipment, a hot watertank, a heater, or a boiler).

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the electronic devicemay include at least one of a part of furniture or a building/structure,an electronic board, an electronic signature receiving device, aprojector, or a measuring instrument (e.g., a water meter, anelectricity meter, a gas meter, or a wave meter). In one or moreexemplary embodiments, the electronic device may be a combination of oneor more of the above-mentioned devices. In the exemplary embodiments,the electronic device may be a flexible device. The electronic deviceaccording to the present disclosure is not limited to theabove-mentioned devices, and may include additional and newly developednew electronic devices.

Hereinafter, an electronic device according to one or more exemplaryembodiments will be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. The term “user” used herein may refer to a person who uses anelectronic device or may refer to a device (e.g., an artificialelectronic device) that uses an electronic device.

FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a front side of an electronic deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

An electronic device 100 described below may include a housing (e.g., acase). The housing may include an opening (e.g., an edge area of theelectronic device 100) with a first side (e.g., a curved surface part)extending in a first direction (e.g., a right or left edge directionwith respect to a front side of the electronic device 100) in at least apart of a surface of the housing. The electronic device 100 may includea substantially transparent external protective layer (e.g., glass)including a first edge (e.g., a glass edge) that is disposed within theopening and extends in the first direction while being adjacent to thefirst side. The glass edge may be a curved surface, also hereindescribed below as a first curved surface. The electronic device 100 mayinclude a panel module layer having a second edge (e.g., an edge of apanel module) that is disposed within the opening, bent to conform tothe curved first surface, and extending in the first direction whilebeing adjacent to the first side. The panel module layer may be aflexible panel module layer including a non-display area, at which noimage is displayed, that extends in the first direction along the secondedge and has a first width in a vertical direction to the firstdirection. Furthermore, the electronic device 100 may include an opaquelayer disposed within the opening, the opaque layer being interposedbetween the external protective layer and the panel module layer. Theopaque layer may extend in the first direction adjacent to the firstside, and the opaque layer may include a second width in a perpendiculardirection to the first direction. The second width of the opaque layermay have such a dimension that at least a part of the non-display areain a direction of the first width is covered by the opaque layer. Theopaque layer may include, for example, a black matrix.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the panel module layermay include a first face facing the external protective layer and asecond face facing away from the external protective layer, and theelectronic device 100 may further include a sealing layer (e.g., aprotective member) at a side of the second face.

The electronic device 100 may further include a touch sensing layer(e.g., a touch sheet or screen) that is bent to conform to the firstsurface. The touch sensing layer may have a third edge (e.g., an edge ofa touch sheet) adjacent to the first edge, and is interposed between theexternal protective layer and a display layer. In the electronic device100, the external protective layer may further include a substantiallyflat second surface extending from the first surface. Furthermore, inthe electronic device 100, the opaque layer may be positioned to furthercover a part of a display area of the panel module layer adjacent to thenon-display area.

Referring to FIG. 1A, the electronic device 100 according to one or moreexemplary embodiments may include a display 150 (e.g., including theexternal protective layer, the flexible panel module layer (e.g.,including the touch sensing layer (touch sheet), or in addition to aseparate touch sensing layer), and the opaque layer) at least one sideedge of which has a curved shape (or a curved display area), a speaker143 disposed at one or more sides of the display, a key button 141, anda case 200 (e.g., the housing).

The display 150 may include at least one of glass (e.g., the externalprotective layer), a panel module (e.g., the panel module layer orflexible panel module layer), an electromagnetic induction panel, and aheat-dissipating sheet. The display 150 may include a first curvedsurface part 151, a flat surface part 153, and a second curved surfacepart 155. The first curved surface part 151 and the second curvedsurface part 155 may have different curvatures. According to anexemplary embodiment, the area of the first curved surface part 151 maybe smaller than that of the second curved surface part 155. According tovarious exemplary embodiments, the first curved surface part 151 and thesecond curved surface part 155 may have the same curvature, and may besymmetrically arranged with respect to a center line of the flat surfacepart 153. Edges of the first and second curved surface parts 151 and 155may be supported by one side of the case 200. The opaque layer disposedunder glass and the non-display area disposed at an edge of the panelmodule may be vertically aligned at an edge of at least one of the firstand second curved surface parts 151 and 155. Accordingly, a display areaof an extended panel module may be disposed at an outermost edge of atleast one of the first and second curved surface parts 151 and 155.

The case 200 may be substantially polygonal (e.g., a quadrangle), andmay cover an exterior of the display 150. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the case 200 may have an edge extending along an exterior ofthe display 150, at least one side edge of which having a curved surfaceshape.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the electronic device 100 mayinclude a built-in battery. Alternatively, the electronic device 100 mayinclude a detachable battery. If the electronic device 100 includes adetachable battery, the case 200 may include, for example, as describedwith reference to FIG. 1B, a front case (integrated with a rear case),or a front case and a rear case, and a battery cover. According to oneor more exemplary embodiments, the case 200 may include an opening(e.g., a left or right edge area) including a first side (e.g., a curvedsurface part), at least a part of which is flat, and at least a part ofa surface of which extends in a first direction (e.g., at least one of aleft-side direction and a right-side direction with respect to a centerof the case 200).

FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a side of the electronic deviceaccording to one or more exemplary embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1B, the electronic device 100 may include the display150 and a case 200. The case 200 may include first case 210 (e.g., afront case), and a second case 220 (e.g., a rear case or a battery covercovering the rear case).

As described above, the display 150 may include the first curved surfacepart 151, the flat surface part 153, and the second curved surface part155. The first curved surface part 151 may have a curvature differentthan that of the second curved surface part 155. The second curvedsurface part 155 may be contiguous to an end of the flat surface part153 and may be bent according to a certain curvature. An end of thefirst curved surface part 151 may contact one side of the first case210. An end of the second curved surface part 155 may contact anotherside of the first case 210.

The first case 210 may include a first curved surface support part 211,a flat surface support part 213, and a second curved surface supportpart 215. The first case 210 may be provided as a metal frame in whichthe first curved surface support part 211, the flat surface support part213, and the second curved surface support part 215 are formed as onecontinuous piece. According to one or more exemplary embodiments, thefirst curved surface support part 211, the flat surface support part213, and the second curved surface support part 215 may be individuallyprovided and joined to each other. The first case 210 may be made of,for example, a metallic material, such as stainless steel, an aluminumalloy, or a magnesium alloy, or a non-metallic material.

The first curved surface support part 211 may cover an end of the firstcurved surface part 151, while supporting a bottom of the first curvedsurface part 151 having a relatively low curvature. According to one ormore exemplary embodiments, an end of the first curved surface supportpart 211 may protrude over the first curved surface part 151 to preventdamage to the first curved surface part 151 while covering the firstcurved surface part 151. Furthermore, the first curved surface supportpart 211 may protrude by a predetermined length over an end of the firstcurved surface part 151 in an outward direction (a direction in whichthe first curved part 151 extends from the flat part 153). A protrudingarea of the first curved surface support part 211 may be, for example,rounded. According to one or more exemplary embodiments, at least a partof the protruding area of the first curved surface support part 211 maybe provided with a shock absorbing member (e.g., a non-metallic member,such as rubber or polyurethane, or a metallic member, such as a shockabsorbing mesh or bumper) disposed in a longitudinal direction ortransverse direction of the case.

The flat surface support part 213 may be disposed under the flat surfacepart 153 of the display 150 to support the flat surface part 153. Abattery lower part insertion hole with a certain size, related toinsertion of a battery, may be defined in a certain inner area of theflat surface support part 213. A center of the battery lower partinsertion hole may be biased towards, for example, the first curvedsurface support part 211. According to one or more exemplaryembodiments, the battery lower part insertion hole may extend over theflat surface support part 213 and a part of the first curved surfacesupport part 211. The flat surface support part 213 may include at leastone sidewall supporting at least a part of a center or an edge of theflat surface support part 153, and a certain part of the inside of theflat surface support part 213 may be dented.

The second curved surface support part 215 may cover an end of thesecond curved surface part 155, while supporting a bottom of the secondcurved surface part 155 having a relatively high curvature. Here, thesecond curved surface support part 215 may have a relatively highcurvature compared to the first curved surface support part 211.Furthermore, the second curved surface support part 215 may be taperedin a direction to an end (e.g., a direction in which the second curvedsurface part 155 extends from the flat surface part 153), to support thehigh curvature of the second curved surface part 155. According to oneor more exemplary embodiments, an end of the second curved surfacesupport part 215 may protrude over a surface of the second curvedsurface part 155 to prevent damage to the second curved surface part155. For example, the second curved surface support part 215 may have across section shaped like a hook, and may have a rounded edge. Accordingto one or more exemplary embodiments, at least one of an inner side andan outer side of the end of the second curved surface support part 215shaped like a hook may be provided with a shock absorbing member (e.g.,a non-metallic member, such as rubber or polyurethane, or a metallicmember, such as a shock absorbing mesh or bumper) disposed in alongitudinal direction or transverse direction of the case.

The second case 220 may be a rear case supporting the bottom of thefirst case 210 or a battery cover covering a rear case. The second case220 may be formed by metal injection molding or non-metal injectionmolding, such as plastic injection molding. The second case 220 may beprovided to support a flat lower part of the first curved surfacesupport part 211, a flat lower part of the flat surface support part213, and a curved lower part of the second curved surface support part215. A battery upper part insertion hole may be defined in a part of theinside of the second case 220. The battery upper part insertion hole maybe aligned with the battery lower part insertion hole. Accordingly, thebattery upper part insertion hole may be biased from a vertical centerof the second case 220 in one direction (e.g., towards the first curvedsurface support part 211). According to one or more exemplaryembodiments, in the case of the battery being a detachable battery, thebattery upper part insertion hole of the second case 220 may be exposed.A battery cover that covers an entire area including the battery upperpart insertion hole may be disposed at one side of the second case 220.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, in the electronic device100, the front case may be integrated with the rear case. In this case,the second case 220 may be a battery cover. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the electronic device 100 may include the built-in battery.In this case, the first case 210 may be integrated with the second case220, and the battery cover may not be provided.

As described above, in the electronic device 100 according to one ormore exemplary embodiments, the curvature of the second curved surfacepart 155 may be greater than the curvature of the first curved surfacepart 151, so that an extended display area may be provided to a side ofthe electronic device 100. Furthermore, because the non-display area ofthe panel module disposed on the second curved surface part 155 isdisposed under the opaque layer, a display area may be extended on thebasis of an extended panel module. Moreover, because the first curvedsurface part 151 having a relatively low curvature (or no curvature) isprovided, the first curved surface support part 211, which may berelatively thick, is provided, so that the electronic device 100 may bemore easily grasped by a user.

FIG. 2A is a cross-section view and a magnified cross-section view of anedge area of the second curved surface part according to an exemplaryembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2A, a part of the electronic device 100 may include apart of the display 150 (e.g., the flat surface part 153 and the secondcurved surface part 155), a part of the first case 210 (e.g., the flatsurface support part 213 and the second curved surface support part215), a part of the second case 220, and a part of a battery cover 250.The part of the electronic device 100 will be described below with afocus on an area where the second curved surface part 155 is disposed.The shape of the second curved surface part 155 described below may alsobe applied to the first curved surface part 151.

The display 150 may include a panel module 40 related to a display orcontrol of an image, glass 50 disposed on the panel module 40, an opaquelayer 52 (e.g., a black matrix or the like) disposed at one side of aback of an edge of the glass 50, an electromagnetic induction panel 53(e.g., a digitizer) disposed on or under the panel module 40, and aheat-dissipating sheet 55 (or a heating sheet). Additionally, anadhesive layer 51 may be disposed between the glass 50 and the panelmodule 40. A non-display area 44 b of the panel module 40 may be alignedunder the opaque layer 52 of the glass 50, so that the display 150 maybe provided with an extended display area 44 a.

The panel module 40 may include, for example, a touch sheet 41 (e.g.,the touch sensing layer), an adhesive layer 42, a polarizing sheet 43,and a display panel 44. The touch sheet 41 may be an element of thepanel module 40, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the touch sheet 41 maybe a separate element disposed on or under the panel module 40 tosupport a touch function.

The touch sheet 41 may support, for example, capacitive sensing. Thetouch sheet 41 may include a touch sensing area, in which signal linesfor sensing a touch are arranged in a matrix, and a trace area forsupplying signals to touch sensing signal lines. According to anexemplary embodiment, the trace area may be formed on edges of bothsides of the touch sheet 41 or an edge of one side thereof. The tracearea may be included in, for example, the non-display area 44 b. Theadhesive layer 51 may be disposed on the touch sheet 41 so that thetouch sheet 41 may be bonded to the glass 50. According to one or moreexemplary embodiments, the touch sensing signal line may be formed by atransparent indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode. The trace area may beformed by an opaque metal electrode. The trace area may be disposed onthe first curved surface part 151. The trace area may be disposed onlyon the first curved surface part 151.

The adhesive layer 42 may be disposed between the touch sheet 41 and thepolarizing sheet 43 to fix the touch sheet 41 to the polarizing sheet43. The polarizing sheet 43 may polarize light transmitted through thepanel module 40. For example, the polarizing sheet 43 may polarize lightirradiated from the display panel outwardly in a regular direction toimprove the visibility or viewing angle. The polarizing sheet 43 may bebonded to the touch sheet 41 by the adhesive layer 42. The polarizingsheet 43 may be laminated with the display panel 44. According to one ormore exemplary embodiments, an adhesive layer may be additionallydisposed between the polarizing sheet 43 and the display panel 44.Alternatively, a polarizing pattern may be formed on a front surface ofthe display panel 44 and integrated therewith.

The display panel 44 may include a bendable sheet having a certainthickness. The display panel 44 may include an organic light-emittingdiode (OLED) or a liquid crystal display (LCD). The display panel 44 mayhave a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix. The display panel 44may include, for example, the display area 44 a, in which the pluralityof pixels are arranged, and the non-display area 44 b, in which pads forsupplying pixel control signals are arranged. The pads may be coupled tosignal lines of a gate driver or a data driver.

The panel module 40 of the display 150 may include the display area 44 aand the non-display area 44 b (e.g., at least a part of an edge area ofthe panel module 40), in which pads or signal lines are arranged tosupply signals to the display area 44 a. The non-display area 44 b maybe disposed on at least a part of an edge area of the second curvedsurface part 155 of the display 150. The non-display area 44 b of thepanel module 40 disposed at an edge of the second curved surface part155 may be disposed under the opaque layer 52. According to one or moreexemplary embodiments, the non-display area 44 b may be disposed at anedge of the panel module 40 that belongs to the first curved surfacepart 151, may be aligned under the opaque layer 52 disposed at an edgeof the glass 50.

The electromagnetic induction panel 53 may be provided when theelectronic device 100 supports generation of an input event throughelectromagnetic induction by an electronic pen. Accordingly, theelectromagnetic induction panel 53 may not be provided if operation ofan additional electronic pen is unsupported by the electronic device100. The electromagnetic induction panel 53 may be disposed under thedisplay panel to support a function of receiving an input from anapproaching electronic pen.

The heat-dissipating sheet 55 may be disposed under the electromagneticinduction panel 53 and on the first case 210. The heat-dissipating sheet55 may dissipate heat generated from, for example, the display panel 44.According to an exemplary embodiment, the heat-dissipating sheet 55 maytransfer the heat generated from the display panel 44 to the first caseto dissipate the heat.

The glass 50 may be disposed on the panel module 40. The glass 50 mayprotect the panel module 40 from damage. The glass 50 may be made of,for example, glass, acryl or transparent plastic. As illustrated in FIG.2A, an edge of the glass 50 may have a certain curvature. An end of theglass 50 may be placed on, for example, the second curved surfacesupport part 215 of the first case 210.

The opaque layer 52 may be disposed under an edge of the glass 50 toprevent light leakage and improve the visibility. The opaque layer 52may be printed on the back of the glass, or an additional film may beattached thereto as the opaque layer 52. The film may include a patternon one surface thereof, thereby improving aesthetics of the electronicdevice 100. The opaque layer 52 may be disposed on the entire edge ofthe glass 50 and have a certain width. The opaque layer 52 may cover apart of the non-display area 44 b of the panel module 40. The width ofthe opaque layer 52 may be determined according to the size or positionof the non-display area 44 b.

According to an exemplary embodiment, as seen in a normal direction to acurved surface of the glass, an end of the opaque layer 52 may beextended in width outwards (towards an upper side of the curved surface)from an active area (A/A) line that is a boundary between thenon-display area 44 b and the display area 44 a by a distance of A(e.g., about 1 mm or less, for example, about 0.03 mm to about 0.3 mm orabout 0.026 mm to about 0.38 mm). In the case where the end of theopaque layer 52 is disposed inside the A/A line, a partial area of thedisplay may be covered by the opaque layer. Therefore, the end of theopaque layer 52 may be disposed outside the A/A line (towards the upperside of the curved surface), wherein the opaque layer 52 may maintain aminimal width in consideration of an assembly tolerance. Therefore, atleast a portion of the lines of the panel module 40 arranged in thenon-display area 44 b (e.g., the signal supplying lines arranged in thetrace area of the touch sheet 41 or the area of the display panel 44 inwhich the pads or signal supplying lines are arranged) may be covered bythe opaque layer 52. As described above, the opaque layer 52 may bedisposed so as to geometrically cover the entirety of the non-displayarea 44 b with respect to a front direction (or a directionperpendicular to a flat area of the electronic device 100). Here, withrespect to the direction perpendicular to the flat area of theelectronic device 100, an end of a flat area side of the opaque layer 52may be geometrically vertically aligned (or vertically in parallel) withan end of a flat area side of the non-display area 44 b.

According to another embodiment, as seen at the front of the electronicdevice 100, an inner end of the opaque layer 52 may be spaced apart (orextended) from the A/A line that is the boundary between the non-displayarea 44 b and the display area by a distance of B (e.g., within about 1mm, for example, about 0.5 mm to about 0.72 mm).

When the panel is seen through the glass 50 at the front of theelectronic device 100, light emitted from the panel is refracted by theglass 50 so that an object appears to be located at a different positionwhen viewed from the outside of the glass 50. Therefore, as seen by auser at the front of the electronic device 100, the distance B (e.g.,about 1 mm or less, for example, about 0.5 mm to about 0.72 mm) designedto be larger than the distance A (e.g., about 0.02 mm to about 0.4 mm)appears to be a distance C (e.g., about 1 mm or less, for example about0.264 mm to about 0.5 mm or about 0.2 mm to about 0.3 mm) which issmaller than the distance B. The distance A is relatively similar to theperceived distance C so that a certain amount of a non-active areaaround the display appears, thereby improving an aesthetic of theelectronic device 100. As described above, with respect to the frontdirection of the electronic device 100 (e.g., a direction perpendicularto a flat area of the electronic device 100), the opaque layer 52 may bedisposed so as to optically cover the entirety of the non-display area44 b by virtue of a refractive index of at least one layer (e.g., theexternal protective layer or the panel module layer) included in thedisplay. For example, when a curved surface area of the electronicdevice 100 is seen from the front direction (or perpendicular direction)of the electronic device 100, the end of the non-display area 44 b andthe end of the opaque layer 52 arranged at the curved surface area mayappear to be positioned at locations different from their actuallocations due to refractive indices of the external protective layer(e.g., the glass 50) and the panel module 40 disposed under the externalprotective layer. Accordingly, the end of the flat area side of theopaque layer 52 positioned at the curved surface area and the end of theflat area side of the non-display area 44 b may be arranged so that theend of the flat area side of the opaque layer 52 optically covers theend of the flat area side of the non-display area 44 b (e.g., so thatthe opaque layer 52 covers the non-display area 44 b as seen visuallythrough at least one of the external protective layer or the panelmodule) in the front direction (perpendicular direction to the flatarea) of the electronic device 100. In this state, even if the end ofthe flat area side of the non-display area 44 b further protrudestowards the flat area than the end of the flat area side of the opaquelayer 52 geometrically, the opaque layer 52 may cover the entirety ofthe non-display area 44 b optically.

As described above, in a curved surface display area (e.g., the firstcurved surface part 151 or the second curved surface part 155) of thedisplay 150, the non-display area of the panel module 40 is disposedunder the opaque layer 52 so that an area (non-display area), which isnot displayed when the panel module 40 is observed through glass 50, maybe minimized.

As described above, the first case 210 may include the flat surfacesupport part 213 and the second curved surface support part 215contiguous to the flat surface support part 213. The second curvedsurface support part 215 may include a support body 215_1 contiguous tothe flat surface support part 213 and a curved surface cover part 215_2disposed at an end of the support body 215_1.

The support body 215_1 may include an upper surface bent with thecurvature of the second curved surface part 155 and a lower surfacefacing the second case 220. Accordingly, the support body 215_1 may bedisposed in parallel with the curved surface part of the display 150. Arail groove 216 a may be disposed in at least one side of the uppersurface of the support body 215_1. The rail groove 216 a may be formedto a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction of the supportbody 215_1, with a certain width. According to an exemplary embodiment,the rail groove 216 a may be formed in at least a part of the entireupper surface of the support body 215_1. A display protective member 240may be disposed inside the rail groove 216 a. The protective member 240may include a sponge or an adhesive tape. The protective member 240 mayblock moisture or dust from the inside of the electronic device 100.

The curved surface cover part 215_2 may be disposed at an end of thesupport body 215_1, forming a certain angle with an extending directionof the support body 215_1. According to an exemplary embodiment, thecurved surface cover part 215_2 may be perpendicular to an end of thesupport body 215_1 and may protrude over the upper surface of thesupport body 215_1 in an outward direction (e.g., a direction to theglass 50). One sidewall of the curved surface cover part 215_2 may facea side surface of the display 150. A protruding end of the curvedsurface cover part 215_2 may have a height larger than that of thedisplay 150 placed on the one sidewall. Therefore, the curved surfacecover part 215_2 may absorb at least a portion of a shock when theelectronic device 100 is dropped.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the first case 210 mayinclude a battery upper part insertion hole 218. The battery upper partinsertion hole 218 may be disposed at the flat surface support part 213in the first case 210 or may be disposed over the flat surface supportpart 213 and the first curved surface support part 211.

The second case 220 supports the first case 210. A battery lower partinsertion hole 228 may be disposed in the second case 220. The batterylower part insertion hole 228 may be aligned with the battery upper partinsertion hole 218. According to an exemplary embodiment, an end of oneside of the second case 220 may face an inner side of the curved surfacecover part 215_2. Therefore, at least a part of the second case 220 maybe covered by an edge of the first case 210.

The battery cover 250 may cover a lower surface or an exposed surface ofthe second case 220. According to an exemplary embodiment, the batterycover 250 may cover the battery lower part insertion hole 228 disposedin the second case 220. An end of one side of the battery cover 250 maybe joined to the inner side of the curved surface cover part 215_2. Theinner side of the curved surface cover part 215_2 may have a multi-step.Therefore, an end of the second case 220 and an end of the battery cover250 may be stacked on the inner side of the curved surface cover part215_2. A surface of the battery cover 250 may be aligned in parallelwith one side of the curved surface cover part 215_2. According to oneor more exemplary embodiments, the battery cover 250 may be integratedwith the second case 220, or may be integrated with the first and secondcases 210 and 220. The electronic device 100 may have a built-inbattery, and the battery cover 250 may be fixed to a rear part of theelectronic device 100 to cover the built-in battery.

A relation between the opaque layer 52 and the non-display area 44 b isdescribed below with reference to FIG. 2A. As illustrated in FIG. 2A,with respect to a 1a_(th) direction towards the curved surface area ofthe external protective layer (e.g., a perpendicular direction to atangent line to a certain point on the curved surface area), an end 44b_l of the non-display area 44 b may further extend in a diagonaldirection (e.g., a direction from the curved surface cover part 215_2 toa boundary area between the flat area and the curved surface area) thanan end 52_1 of the opaque layer 52 by a distance of A (or width A).Furthermore, according to various exemplary embodiments, at an edge ofthe curved surface area, with respect to a 2a_(th) direction (aperpendicular direction to the flat area or a perpendicular direction tothe battery cover 250 placed horizontally), the end 44 b_l of thenon-display area 44 b may extend further than the end 52_1 of the opaquelayer 52 by a distance of C (or width A). Here, the A distance may beapproximate to the C distance. According to various exemplaryembodiments, the A distance may be less than or equal to about 1 mm. TheA distance may be from about 0.02 mm to about 0.4 mm. The A distance maybe adjusted according to a curved surface characteristic applied to anelectronic device. According to various exemplary embodiments, the Cdistance may be less than or equal to within about 1 mm. The C distancemay be from about 0.2 mm to about 0.5 mm. The C distance may also beadjusted according to a curved surface characteristic applied to anelectronic device. According to various exemplary embodiments, thespecified A distance may be smaller than the C distance. The end 44 b_lof the non-display area may be related to the boundary line (active arealine) of the display area.

FIG. 2B is a cross-section view of a side of the (second) curved surfacepart according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2B, the part of the electronic device 100 may includea part of the display 150 (e.g., the flat surface part 153 and thesecond curved surface part 155), a part of the first case 210, a part ofthe second case 220, and a part of a battery cover 250.

The first case 210 may include the support body 215_1 and the curvedsurface cover part 215_2. The curved surface cover part 215_2 mayinclude, for example, a first sidewall 215 a, a second sidewall 215 c, aconnection part 215 b, and a support groove 215 d.

The first sidewall 215 a may be contiguous to the support body 215_1,and may protrude over the upper surface of the support body 215_1 by acertain distance. Ends of one or more elements of the display 150, forexample, the electromagnetic induction panel 53 and the heat-dissipatingsheet 55, may be arranged on a side surface of the first sidewall 215 a.The second sidewall 215 c may be spaced apart from the first sidewall215 by a distance of a width of the support groove 215 d. The secondsidewall 215 c may protrude over a surface of the glass 50 of thedisplay 150. An end of the glass 50 may be disposed on a side surface ofthe second sidewall 215 c. According to one or more exemplaryembodiments, an end of the opaque layer 52 may be disposed on a sidesurface of the second sidewall 215 c. The connection part 215 b connectsbottoms of the first and second sidewalls 215 a, 215 c to form thesupport groove 215 d. Ends of some elements of the display 150, forexample, an end of the panel module 40 may be disposed on a surface ofthe connection part 215 b. Some parts of the display 150, for example, apart of an edge area of the panel module 40 may be inserted into thesupport groove 215 d. For example, the non-display area 44 b of thepanel module 40 may be inserted into the support groove 215 d. Accordingto an exemplary embodiment, the support groove 215 d may have a depthsubstantially equal to a length of the non-display area 44 b, or mayhave a depth larger than the length of the non-display area 44 b by apredetermined distance. According to one or more exemplary embodiments,the panel module 40, the electromagnetic induction panel 53, and theheat-dissipating sheet 55 may be arranged in the support groove 215 d.

The panel module 40 that protrudes farther than the glass 50 in abending direction of the second curved surface part 155. For example,the panel module 40 may disposed such that an edge of the second curvedsurface part 155 protrudes over an end of the glass 50 by a certaindistance (e.g., the width of the non-display area 44 b). The protrudingpanel module 40 may be inserted into the support groove 215 d.

As described above, because the non-display area 44 b of the panelmodule 40 is inserted into the support groove 215 d, an additionalopaque layer may not be provided to the display 150. In addition, a railgroove 216b for receiving the display protective member 240 may bedisposed in at least a portion of the first sidewall 215 a or one sideof the support body 215_1 under the panel module 40 or theheat-dissipating sheet.

FIG. 2C is a cross-section view of the second curved surface supportpart according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2C, the second curved surface support part 215 mayinclude the support body 215_1 and the curved surface cover part 215_2.The curved surface cover part 215_2 may include, for example, aconnection part 215 g disposed at one end of the upper surface of thesupport body 215_1 forming a certain angle (e.g., a right angle or anacute angle) with the upper surface of the support body 215_1 and asidewall 215 f (the sidewall 215 a being absent as compared to FIG. 2B).In this case, the elements of the display 150, except for the glass 50,may be arranged in a support groove 215 e formed by the connection part215 g and the sidewall 215 f. For example, the panel module 40, theelectromagnetic induction panel 53, and the heat-dissipating sheet 55may be arranged in the support groove 215 e. The display 150 may beprovided with the panel module 40 protruding over an end of the glass 50by a certain distance (e.g., the width of the non-display area 44 b),the electromagnetic induction panel 53 disposed in parallel with thepanel module 40, and the heat-dissipating sheet 55.

A rail groove 216 c for receiving the display protective member 240 maybe disposed in at least one side of the upper surface of the supportbody 215_1. The rail groove 216 c may extend to the inside of thesupport groove 215 e.

FIG. 3A is an exploded front view of a part of an electronic deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3A, the part of the electronic device may include thefirst case 210, an adhesive member 230, and the protective member 240.

The first case 210 may be, for example, a front case of the electronicdevice. The first case 210 may be made of, for example, a metallicmaterial. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the battery upper part insertionhole 218 may be formed inside the first case 210. The battery upper partinsertion hole 218 may be biased to one side with respect to a verticalcenter line of the first case 210, as illustrated in FIG. 3A.

The adhesive member 230 may include a first adhesive area 231 of acertain thickness disposed at an upper edge of the first case 210, asecond adhesive area 233 of a certain thickness disposed at an edge of aside part (e.g., a left side part) of the first case 210, and a thirdadhesive area 235 of a certain thickness disposed at an edge of a lowerpart of the first case 210. The first to third adhesive areas 231, 233and 235 may be connected to each other. The first to third adhesivelayers 231, 233 and 235 may fix the display 150 to the first case 210.According to an exemplary embodiment, the second adhesive area 233 maybe disposed under an area where the first curved surface part 151 of thedisplay 150 is disposed. For example, the second adhesive area 233 mayfix the first curved surface part 151 of the display 150 to the firstcase 210. A part of an edge of a side part (right side) of the firstadhesive area 231 may be disposed at an edge of a side part (right side)of the first case 210. A part of an edge of a side part (right side) ofthe third adhesive area 235 may be disposed at an edge of a side part(right side) of the first case 210. According to one or more exemplaryembodiments, the adhesive member 230 may include the first adhesive area231 and the third adhesive area 235.

The protective member 240 may be disposed at an edge of a side part(e.g., a right side part) of the first case 210. According to one ormore exemplary embodiments, the protective member 240 may be a sponge oran adhesive tape.

FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an exploded view of an electronicdevice according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3B, the electronic device may include the display 150,the first case 210, the adhesive member 230, and the protective member240.

As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the display 150 may include the first curvedsurface part 151, the flat surface part 153, and the second curvedsurface part 155. A speaker hole 157 for exposing a speaker (or areceiver, e.g., a microphone) and a button hole 159 for exposing a homebutton may be arranged at one side of the display 150.

The first case 210 may include the first curved surface support part211, a surface of which faces (e.g., opposes) the first curved surfacepart 151 and has a curvature similar to the curvature of the firstcurved surface part 151, the second curved surface support part 215 asurface of which faces (e.g., opposes) the second curved surface part155 and has a curvature similar to the curvature of the second curvedsurface part 155, and the flat surface support part 213 an area of whichfaces (e.g., opposes) the flat surface part 153 and defines the batteryupper part insertion hole 218. According to one or more exemplaryembodiments, an antenna pattern may be disposed on an upper part or alower part of the first case 210.

The second curved surface support part 215 of the first case 210 mayinclude, for example, a second curved surface support area 2155, onwhich a part of an upper side of the adhesive member 230 is disposed, afirst curved surface support area 2151, on which a part of a lower sideof the adhesive member 230 is disposed, and a third curved surfacesupport area 2153, connecting the second curved surface support area2155 to the first curved surface support area 2151. The rail groove 216for receiving the protective member 240 may be disposed in the curvedsurface support area 2153.

The adhesive member 230, which is continuously disposed on an upper partof the display 150 (or the second curved surface support area 2155 andan upper side of the flat surface support part 213), an edge of thefirst curved surface part 151, and a lower part of the display 150 (orthe first curved surface support area 2151 and a lower side of the flatsurface support part 213), may be shaped like a “C”. According to one ormore exemplary embodiments, the adhesive member 230 may only be disposedon an upper part of the display 150 and a lower part of the display 150.As described above, the adhesive member 230 may be disposed on or nearat least a part of a circumference of the first case 210.

The protective member 240 may be disposed on the second curved surfacesupport part 215 (e.g., a location where the second curved surface part155 of the display 150 is disposed) with a certain length. According toan exemplary embodiment, the protective member 240 may have a lengthcorresponding to a length of the third curved surface support area 2153.The protective member 240 may be placed in the rail groove 216 disposedin the third curved surface support area 2153.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a back of an electronic deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4, as illustrated in a state 401, the back of theelectronic device 100 may include a battery placing part 280, e.g., abattery repository, provided by aligning the battery upper partinsertion hole and the battery lower part insertion hole disposed in thefirst and second cases 210 and 220 respectively. The battery placingpart 280 may be biased leftwards with respect to a vertical center lineof the electronic device 100. For example, as illustrated in a state403, a battery 300 may be biased to a left side of the electronic device100. For example, the battery 300 may be biased to the first curvedsurface part 151 of the display 150 or the first curved surface supportpart 211 of the first case 210. Accordingly, a location where thebattery 300 is placed may alter a center of gravity of the electronicdevice 100 away from a center line of the electronic device. Theelectronic device 100 may have a tendency to fall in a direction in linewith the center of gravity altered by the location of the battery 300.

FIG. 5 illustrates falling states of an electronic device according toan exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, as illustrated in a state 501, in the case in whichthe electronic device 100 is dropped from a height, with the back of theelectronic device facing downwards (e.g., with the display 150 facingupwards), a part of the electronic device including the first curvedsurface part 151 (or a part where the battery 300 is disposed) mayrotate downwards. Therefore, a rear part of the first curved surfacepart 151 in which the battery 300 is disposed (e.g., the first curvedsurface support part 211 of the first case 210 or an area of the secondcase 220 coupled to the first curved surface support part 211) may bemore likely to impact the ground. Because an area including the firstcurved surface part 151, for which a case is thick relative to an areaincluding the second curved surface part 155, impacts the ground, ashock is absorbed by the case so that damage to the second curvedsurface part 155 may be prevented.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in astate 503, in the case in which the electronic device 100 is droppedfrom a height with the front side facing downwards (e.g., with thedisplay 150 facing downwards), a part of the electronic device includingthe first curved surface part 151 (or a part where the battery 300 isdisposed) may rotate downwards. Therefore, a front part of the firstcurved surface part 151 in which the battery 300 is disposed or thefirst case 210 covering the first curved surface part 151 may be morelikely to impact the ground. Because an area including the first curvedsurface part 151, of which the curvature is low or for a thickness isrelatively larger compared to the curvature or thickness of the secondcurved surface part 155, impacts the ground, a shock is absorbed by thecase so that damage to the second curved surface part 155 may beprevented.

FIG. 6 illustrates a case on which a display is placed according to anexemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, the display 150 may include the first curvedsurface part 151, the flat surface part 153, and the second curvedsurface part 155. The display 150 may be disposed on a front surface ofthe first case 210. The first case 210 may include curved surfacesupport parts having curvatures corresponding to those of the first andsecond curved surface parts 151 and 155.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, a guard 219 may bedisposed at an edge of an end of the second curved surface support part215 of the first case 210. The guard 219 may cover an edge of the secondcurved surface part 155. Furthermore, the guard 219 may protrude over asurface of the second curved surface part 155 by a certain distance. Inthe case where an adhesive member is interposed between the display 150and the first case 210, the guard 219 may protrude over a peripheralsurface of the display 150. Therefore, the guard 219 may prevent thesecond curved surface part 155 of the electronic device 100 from beingdamaged from impacting with another object, for example, the ground whenfalling.

FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of an electronic device in which areinforcing member is disposed according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, the electronic device may include the display 150,the first case 210, the second case 220, and the battery cover 250. Apart of the display 150 may include, for example, the flat surface part153 and the second curved surface part 155. The second curved surfacepart 155 may be bent to a certain curvature. The second curved surfacepart 155 may be disposed on the second curved surface support part 215of the first case 210. According to an exemplary embodiment, an end ofthe second curved surface part 155 may face a side surface of the curvedsurface cover part 215_2.

The first case 210 may include the support body 215_1 and the curvedsurface cover part 215_2. The support body 215_1 may support the secondcurved part 155 of the display 150. The curved surface cover part 215_2,contiguous to the support body 215_1, may support an end of the display150.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, an auxiliary groove 201having a certain width may be disposed in a longitudinal direction in atleast one external surface of the curved surface cover part 215_2. Areinforcing member 202 may be disposed in the auxiliary groove 201. Theauxiliary groove 201 may be opened in a direction in which the secondcurved surface part 155 of the display 150 extends while being bent.

The reinforcing member 202 may be placed in the auxiliary groove 201formed in the curved surface cover part 215_2. A thickness of thereinforcing member 202 may be larger than a depth of the auxiliarygroove 201. Therefore, the reinforcing member 202 may protrude over anend of an opening of the auxiliary groove 201. According to one or moreexemplary embodiments, at least a part of an outer surface of thereinforcing member 202 may be rounded. The reinforcing member 202 mayinclude a material capable of absorbing a shock due to contact. Forexample, the reinforcing member 202 may be formed of at least one of anon-metallic material or a metallic material. The reinforcing member 202may have a mesh structure to increase a shock absorption rate.

FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of an electronic device in which a shockabsorbing member is disposed according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8, the electronic device may include the display 150,the first case 210, the second case 220, and the battery cover 250. Thedisplay 150 may include the flat surface part 153 and the second curvedsurface part 155. The first case 210 may include the second curvedsurface support part 215 corresponding to the second curved surface part155. The second curved surface support part 215 may include the supportbody 215_1 and the curved surface cover part 215_2.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, a rail groove 203 may bedisposed in a longitudinal direction in a side surface of the curvedsurface cover part 215_2 (e.g., a surface facing an end of the display150). A shock absorbing member 204 may be disposed in the rail groove203. The shock absorbing member 204 may include various materials andstructures for dispersing or absorbing an external or internal shock.For example, the shock absorbing member 204 may be formed as a solid(the inside of which is filled) using rubber, flexible plastic, or amixture thereof. Furthermore, the shock absorbing member 204 may beformed of a non-metallic material or a metallic material, and may have amesh structure.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the rail groove 203 mayhave an opening width similar to a width of a side surface of the curvedsurface cover part 215_2. In this case, the shock absorbing member 204disposed in the rail groove 203 may prevent the panel module 40, theelectromagnetic induction panel 53 and the heat-dissipating sheet 55 ofthe display 150 from being damaged.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the electronic devicemay employ both the reinforcing member structure of FIG. 7 and the shockabsorbing member structure of FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 illustrates a shape of a curved surface part according to variousexemplary embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 9, as illustrated in a state 901, the second curvedsurface part 155 of the display 150 may protrude a same or similaramount (e.g., about 0.05 mm to about 0.3 mm) as a flat surface part ofthe display 150 (on the basis of a horizontal line of the flat surfacepart). Alternatively, as illustrated in a state 903, the second curvedsurface part 155 of the display 150 may protrude farther than the flatsurface part. Alternatively, as illustrated in a state 905, the curvedpart may protrude more greatly compared to the flat surface part thanillustrated in state 903. Alternatively, as illustrated in a state 907,the protruding amount of the second curved surface part 155 of thedisplay 150 may gradually decrease in a side part compared to the flatsurface part.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the curvature of the second curvedsurface part 155 may be adjusted so that at least a part of an end ofthe second curved surface part 155 has a straight line section or astraight-line-like curve section (e.g., a part of a curve having aradius larger than a predetermined value) to stably press the secondcurved surface part 155 of the display 150 against the curved surfacesupport part of the first case 210 to improve an ease of assembly of thedisplay 150. The curved surface support part of the first case 210(e.g., an end of the curved surface support part) may have a flatsurface to correspond to the straight line section of the second curvedsurface part 155 (e.g., a part of an end of the second curved surfacepart 155). For example, at an interface area between the support bodyand the curved surface cover part, at least a part of the support partmay have a flat surface.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the curved surfacesupport part of the first case 210 may have a protruding amount or acurvature corresponding to the curvature or the protruding amount of thesecond curved surface part 155 mentioned above with respect to thestates 901 to 907. Alternatively, the curved surface support part of thefirst case 210 may have the same curvature regardless of the curvatureor the protruding amount of the second curved surface part 155.

FIG. 10 illustrates an electronic device having a symmetric curvedsurface structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, as illustrated in a state 1001, a display 1150 ofthe electronic device 100 may include a first curved surface part 1151,a flat surface part 1153, and a second curved surface part 1155. Thefirst and second curved surface parts 1151 and 1155 may have the samecurvature. The first curved surface part 1151 may be symmetric with thesecond curved surface part 1155 with respect to a vertical center lineof the flat surface part 1153. Furthermore, as illustrated in a state1003, the electronic device 100 may include the display 1150 of whichboth curved surface parts are symmetric with each other, a first case1210, and a second case 1220. The first case 1210 may include a firstcurved surface support part 1211 supporting the first curved surfacepart 1151, a flat surface support part 1213 supporting the flat surfacepart, and a second curved surface support part 1215 supporting thesecond curved surface part 1155. An upper surface of the first curvedsurface support part 1211 may have a curvature similar to that of thefirst curved surface part 1151. An upper surface of the second curvedsurface support part 1215 may have a curvature similar to that of thesecond curved surface part 1155. Therefore, the first case 1210 may havean upper surface having symmetric side edges with respect to a verticalcenter line of the electronic device 100. The second case 1220 may bedisposed under the first case 1210 to support the first case 1210.

FIG. 11 illustrates a reinforcing structure of an electronic devicehaving a symmetric curved surface structure according to an exemplaryembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11, as illustrated in a state 1101, the first case1210 of the electronic device 100 may include the first curved surfacesupport part 1211, the flat surface support part 1213, and the secondcurved surface support part 1215. The first and second curved surfacesupport parts 1211 and 1215 may be symmetric with each other withrespect to a vertical center line of the electronic device 100. An uppersurface of the first curved surface support part 1211 and an uppersurface of the second curved surface support part 1215 may have the sameor similar curvature.

A battery upper part insertion hole 1218 may be disposed inside the flatsurface support part 1213. A vertical length of the battery upper partinsertion hole 1218 may be larger than a horizontal length thereof.According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the battery upper partinsertion hole 1218 may be biased to one side with respect to a centerline of the electronic device 100. According to an exemplary embodiment,an area of the battery upper part insertion hole 1218 biased to thefirst curved surface support part 1211 may be larger than an area of thebattery upper part insertion hole 1218 biased to the second curvedsurface support part 1215.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, a damage preventionmember 1100 may be disposed at an edge of the first case 1210. Thedamage prevention member 1100 may protrude a certain distance along anedge of the first curved surface support part 1211 and an edge of thesecond curved surface support part 1215. A height of the damageprevention member 1100 may be larger than that of a surface of thedisplay 1150 by a certain distance, as measured after the display 1150is placed in the first case 1210. For example, as illustrated in a state1103, the damage prevention member 1100 may protrude over the firstcurved surface part 1151 or the second curved surface part 1155 of thedisplay 1150.

Referring to the state 1103, the electronic device 100 may include thefirst and second curved surface parts 1151 and 1155 symmetric with eachother with respect to a center line of the electronic device, and theflat surface part 1153 disposed between the first and second curvedsurface parts 1151 and 1155. The first and second curved surface parts1151 and 1155 may have the same or similar curvature.

The first curved surface support part 1211 may be disposed under thefirst curved surface part 1151 to support the first curved surface part1151. The second curved surface support part 1215 may be disposed underthe second curved surface part 1155 to support the second curved surfacepart 1155. The flat surface support part 1213 may support a center partof the display 1150, for example, the flat surface part. At least a partof the battery 300 may be disposed in the battery upper part insertionhole 1218 illustrated in the state 1101. When the second case 1220 isjoined to the first case 1210, the battery upper part insertion hole1218 may be aligned with the battery lower part insertion hole of thesecond case 1220 to form a battery placing part. The battery 300 may beplaced in the battery placing part. The battery placing part may bebiased to the first curved surface part 1151 or the first curved surfacesupport part 1211. Therefore, the battery 300 may be biased towards thefirst curved surface support part 1211.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the damage preventionmember 1100 may be disposed only on the first curved support part 1211.Alternatively, the damage prevention member 1100 disposed on the firstcurved surface support part 1211 may differ in structure or materialfrom the damage prevention member 1100 disposed on the second curvedsurface support part 1215 to prevent damage to the first curved surfacepart 1151 due to the biased positioning of the battery 300. For example,the damage prevention member 1100 disposed on the first curved surfacesupport part 1211 may employ a material or structure of which a shockabsorbing amount is larger than that of the damage prevention member1100 disposed on the second curved surface support part 1215.

FIG. 12 illustrates a wearable device including a curved surface displayarea according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12, an electronic device 1200 may be a wearabledevice. According to an exemplary embodiment, the electronic device 1200may include a display 2150 that may be divided into a first curvedsurface part 2151, a flat surface part 2153, and a second curved surfacepart 2155. The first curved surface part 2151, the flat surface part2153, and the second curved surface part 2155 may be continuouslyarranged. The first and second curved surface parts 2151 and 2155 mayhave different curvatures. The second curved surface part 2155 may havea greater curvature than a curvature of the first curved surface part2151.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the electronic device1200 may include a joining part 2700 to which a device including thedisplay 2150 may be detachably attached. The joining part 2700 may bewearable on at least a part of a body of a user. The joining part 2700may include a placing part to which the display 2150 may be detachablyattached. A connection part may be coupled to the joining part 2700 at aside part of the display 2150 (e.g., a left side part of the firstcurved surface part 2151 and a right side part of the second curvedsurface part 2155). The above-mentioned guard may be disposed at an edgeof the display 2150.

According to various exemplary embodiments, a mobile electronic devicemay include a display including a flat area and a curved surface areaextending from the flat area as a single piece, the curved surface areabeing curved towards one side of the flat area, the curved surface areahaving a size smaller than that of the flat area, wherein the displaymay include an external protective layer formed in a shape correspondingto that of the flat area and that of the curved surface area, an opaquearea disposed at a part of an edge of the curved surface area under theexternal protective layer, and a panel module disposed under theexternal protective layer, the panel module having a display area and anon-display area, the display area being disposed over the flat area anda part of the curved surface area, the non-display area being disposedat the other part of the curved surface area, wherein, with respect to afirst direction at the curved surface area of the external protectivelayer, an end of the non-display area further extends (or protrudes) ina diagonal direction than an end of the opaque layer by a first width,wherein, with respect to a second direction at the edge of the curvedsurface area, the end of the non-display area further extends (orprotrudes) in the diagonal direction than the end of the opaque layer bya second width.

The first direction may be perpendicular to a tangent line at anarbitrary point on the curved surface area. The second direction may beperpendicular to the flat area.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the first width may besubstantially approximate to the second width. The first width may bewithin about 1 mm or may be from about 0.02 mm to about 0.4 mm. Thesecond width may be within about 1 mm or may be from about 0.2 mm toabout 0.5 mm.

According to various exemplary embodiments, at least a part of the endof the curved surface area of the external protective layer and at leasta part of an end of the panel module may be arranged in parallel witheach other in the display.

According to various exemplary embodiments, a mobile electronic devicemay include a display including a flat area and a curved surface areacontinuously extending from the flat area, the curved surface area beingcurved towards one side of the flat area, the curved surface area havinga size smaller than that of the flat area, wherein the display mayinclude an external protective layer formed in a shape corresponding tothat of the flat area and that of the curved surface area, an opaquearea disposed at a part of an edge of the curved surface area under theexternal protective layer, and a panel module disposed under theexternal protective layer, the panel module having a display area and anon-display area, the display area being disposed over the flat area anda part of the curved surface area, the non-display area being disposedat the other part of the curved surface area, wherein, at the edge ofthe curved surface area, the opaque layer may cover a substantial partof the non-display area.

According to various exemplary embodiments, with respect to a firstdirection at the curved surface area of the external protective layer,an end of the non-display area may extend further in a diagonaldirection over a boundary line between the non-display area and thedisplay area by a first width so that the opaque layer may substantiallycover the non-display area.

According to various exemplary embodiments, with respect to a seconddirection at the edge of the curved surface area, the end of thenon-display area may extend further in the diagonal direction than anend of the opaque layer by a second width so that the opaque layer maysubstantially cover the greater part of the non-display area.

According to various exemplary embodiments, with respect to aperpendicular direction to the flat area, the opaque layer maysubstantially cover the entirety of the non-display area geometrically.

According to various exemplary embodiments, with respect to theperpendicular direction to the flat area, the opaque layer maysubstantially cover the entirety of the non-display area optically byvirtue of a refractive index of at least one layer included in thedisplay.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the curved surface area maybe disposed at edges of both sides of the display, or may be convex withrespect to the flat area.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the mobile electronic devicemay further include at least one of a case disposed along an edge of thedisplay, at least a part of the case protruding over a surface of thecurved surface area, and an adhesive member disposed under the flat areaof the display, the adhesive member being selectively disposed under atleast a part of the curved surface area of the display.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the case may further includeat least one of: a support groove to which the non-display area isinsertable, a sidewall constituting a part of the support groove, andfacing a side surface of an edge of the external protective layer; abattery placing part biased in a direction away from the curved surfacearea with respect to a vertical center line of the mobile electronicdevice; a rail groove formed in a longitudinal direction in a surface ofthe case facing a back of an edge side of the display and a protectivemember inserted into the rail groove; an auxiliary groove formed in atleast a part of an external surface of the case and a reinforcing memberdisposed in the auxiliary groove to absorb or disperse a shock; and ashock absorbing member disposed on one surface of a curved surface coverpart facing an end of the edge of the display.

As described above, according to various exemplary embodiments, a mobileelectronic device may include a display including a flat area and acurved surface area continuously extending from the flat area as asingle piece, the curved surface area being bent towards one side of theflat area, the curved surface area having a size smaller than that ofthe flat area, and a case disposed along an edge of the display, atleast a part of the case protruding over a surface of the curved surfacearea, wherein the display may include an external protective layerformed in a shape corresponding to that of the flat area and the curvedarea, an opaque area disposed at a part of an edge of the curved surfacearea under the external protective layer, and a panel module disposedunder the external protective layer, the panel module having a displayarea and a non-display area disposed at one side of the display area,wherein a flat-area-side end of the opaque layer and a flat-area-sideend of the non-display area are vertically aligned at the edge of thecurved surface area so that the opaque layer covers an entirety of thenon-display area.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the opaque layer may bedisposed on the non-display area such that a vertical line that connectsthe flat-area-side end of the opaque layer to the flat-area-side end ofthe non-display area is inclined at the edge of the curved surface areatowards the flat area.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the opaque layer may bedisposed on the non-display area such that the vertical line thatconnects the flat-area-side end of the opaque layer to theflat-area-side end of the non-display area is inclined at the edge ofthe curved surface area towards the flat area from a designated angle atwhich the vertical line is inclined towards the edge of the curvedsurface area.

According to the various exemplary embodiments, a mobile electronicdevice may include a display including a flat area and a curved surfacearea extending from the flat area as one piece therewith, the curvedsurface area being bent towards one side of the flat area, the curvedsurface area having a size smaller than that of the flat area, and acase disposed along an edge of the display, at least a part of the caseprotruding over a surface of the curved surface area. The display mayinclude an external protective layer formed in a shape corresponding tothat of the flat area and the curved surface area, an opaque areadisposed at a part of an edge of the curved surface area under theexternal protective layer, and a panel module disposed under theexternal protective layer, the panel module having a display area and anon-display area, the display area being disposed over the flat area anda part of the curved surface area, the non-display area being disposedat the other part of the curved surface area, wherein the opaque layermay cover an entirety of the non-display area with respect to a verticaldirection to the flat area at the edge of the curved surface area.

According to various exemplary embodiments, at least a part of an end ofthe curved surface area of the external protective layer and at least apart of an end of the panel module are arranged in parallel with eachother in the display.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the curved surface area maybe convex with respect to the flat area.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the mobile electronic devicemay include an adhesive member disposed under the flat area of thedisplay, the adhesive member being selectively disposed under at least apart of the curved surface area of the display.

According to various exemplary embodiments, a mobile electronic devicemay include a display including a flat area and a curved surface areaextending from the flat area as one piece therewith, the curved surfacearea being bent towards one side of the flat area, the curved surfacearea having a size smaller than that of the flat area, and a casedisposed along an edge of the display, at least a part of the caseprotruding over a surface of the curved surface area, wherein thedisplay may include an external protective layer formed in a shapecorresponding to that of the flat area and the curved surface area, anda panel module disposed under the external protective layer, the panelmodule having a display area and a non-display area, the display areabeing disposed over the flat area and a part of the curved area, thenon-display area being disposed at the other part of the curved area.Here, an end of the panel module including at least a part of thenon-display area may further extend than an end of the curved surfacearea of the external protective layer so as to be inserted into asupport groove formed in one side of the case.

As described above, an electronic device according to one or moreexemplary embodiments may provide a display including a curved surfacedisplay area or a curved surface part on at least one of edge areasthereof, and an extended display area of the display by aligning anddisposing a non-display area of the display (e.g., a non-display area ofa panel module) under an opaque layer. In exemplary embodiments, an areaof the display excluding the glass (e.g., the non-display area of thepanel module) may be inserted into a groove formed in one side of acase, and the display without the opaque layer may be provided. Thegroove may support strong bonding between the curved surface displayarea and the case.

A member such as a sponge may be disposed between the curved surfacedisplay area and the case to block moisture or dust and absorb a shock.

Furthermore, an area where a battery is disposed is biased to one sidefrom a center line of the case so that the curved surface display areahaving a relatively low curvature or a non-curved surface display area(or an adjacent case) lands on the ground when the electronic device isdropped, thereby preventing damage to the electronic device. Here, adamage prevention member may be disposed on the non-curved surfacedisplay area or a display area having a relatively low curvature.

Regarding damage prevention, a case covering the curved surface displayarea may include a guard protruding over a surface of the display froman edge of the curved surface display area. Furthermore, a shockabsorbing member may be disposed on at least one side of the case of thecurved surface display area (e.g., in at least one groove).

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, an end of the curvedsurface display area may be deprived of curvature (straightened) tosupport easy joining to a case.

As described above, according to one or more exemplary embodiments, thedisplay may include glass having an edge at least a part of which has acertain curvature, an opaque layer disposed at the edge of the glass,and a panel module including a non-display area aligned under the opaquelayer.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the panel module mayinclude a flat surface part and a curved surface part contiguous to theflat surface part, wherein the non-display area may be disposed at anedge of the curved surface part.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, an end of one side ofthe opaque layer and an end of the non-display area may be verticallyaligned with each other.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, an end of one side ofthe opaque layer may vertically protrude over an end of the non-displayarea.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the display may furtherinclude an adhesive layer disposed between the glass and the panelmodule.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the display may furtherinclude at least one of an electromagnetic induction panel disposedunder the panel module with a certain curvature and a heat-dissipatingsheet disposed under the electromagnetic induction panel with a certaincurvature.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the glass and the panelmodule may include a first curved surface part having a first curvature,a flat surface part contiguous to the first curved surface part, and asecond curved surface part contiguous to the flat surface part, thesecond curved surface part having a second curvature different from thefirst curvature.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the glass and the panelmodule may include a first curved surface part having a first curvature,a flat surface part contiguous to the first curved surface part, and asecond curved surface part contiguous to the flat surface part, thesecond curved surface part having the first curvature.

As described above, according to one or more exemplary embodiments, anelectronic device may include a display of glass having an edge at leasta part of which has a certain curvature, an opaque layer disposed at theedge of the glass, and a panel module including a non-display areaaligned under the opaque layer, and a case supporting the display.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the case may include agroove into which the non-display area is inserted.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the case may furtherinclude a rail groove formed in a longitudinal direction in a surface ofthe case facing the display and a protective member inserted into therail groove.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the case may furtherinclude a guard covering an edge of the display placed on the case, theguard protruding over a surface of the display by a certain distance.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the case may furtherinclude an auxiliary groove formed in at least a part of an externalsurface of the case, and a reinforcing member disposed in the auxiliarygroove to absorb or disperse a shock.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the case may furtherinclude a curved surface support part facing an end of the display, arail groove disposed in a side surface of the curved surface supportpart while facing the display, and a shock absorbing member disposed inthe rail groove.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the case may furtherinclude a battery placing part biased to a non-curved surface displayarea or an edge curved surface part having a lower curvature than thatof the curved surface display area, with respect to a center line.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, a certain width of anend of the curved surface display area of the display may bestraightened.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, a case upper surfacefacing an end of the curved surface display area of the display may havea flat surface with a certain width.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the electronic devicemay further include an adhesive member disposed on at least a part of anedge between the display and the case.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the electronic devicemay be a wearable device.

As described above, according to one or more exemplary embodiments, anelectronic device including a curved surface display area may include adisplay of glass having an edge, at least a part of which has a certaincurvature, and a panel module protruding over an end of the glass, thepanel module including a non-display area, and a case including a grooveinto which the non-display area is inserted.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the electronic devicemay further include an opaque layer formed to a certain width at an endof the glass.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, a display area may besubstantially extended, while maintaining the size of an electronicdevice by adopting a curved surface display area and treating an edgearea.

The exemplary embodiments presented herein are illustrative and notlimiting. Various alternatives and equivalents are possible. Otheradditions, subtractions, or modifications will be understood by theskilled artisan in view of the present disclosure and are intended tofall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: a housing comprising anopening with a first side extending in a first direction in at least apart of a surface of the housing; a substantially transparent externalprotective layer comprising a curved first surface, the curved firstsurface comprising a first edge disposed within the opening, the firstedge extending in the first direction adjacent to the first side; apanel module layer comprising a second edge disposed within the opening,the second edge being curved to conform to the curved first surface, thesecond edge being adjacent to the first side and extending in the firstdirection, the panel module layer being a flexible panel module layercomprising a non-display area extending in the first direction along thesecond edge, the non-display area having a first width in a seconddirection perpendicular to the first direction; and an opaque layerdisposed within the opening, the opaque layer being interposed betweenthe external protective layer and the panel module layer, the opaquelayer extending in the first direction adjacent to the first side, theopaque layer having a second width in the second direction, wherein thesecond width of the opaque layer is configured to cover at least aportion of the non-display area in a direction of the first width. 2.The device according to claim 1, wherein the panel module layercomprises a display layer comprising a first face facing the externalprotective layer and a second face facing away from the externalprotective layer, and the device further comprises a sealing layerdisposed at a side of the second face of the panel module layer.
 3. Thedevice according to claim 1, further comprising: a touch sensing layercurved to conform to the curved first surface, the touch sensing layercomprising a third edge adjacent to the first edge, the touch sensinglayer being disposed between the external protective layer and the panelmodule layer.
 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the externalprotective layer further comprises a substantially flat second surfaceextending from the first surface.
 5. The device according to claim 1,wherein at least one of a geography and a location of the opaque layeris configured so that the opaque layer covers a part of the non-displayarea in a normal direction to the curved first surface.
 6. The deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising a first adhesive layer disposedbetween the external protective layer and the panel module layer.
 7. Thedevice according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of: anelectromagnetic induction panel disposed under the panel module layer,the electromagnetic induction panel having a certain curvature; and aheat-dissipating sheet disposed under the electromagnetic inductionpanel, the heat-dissipating sheet having a certain curvature.
 8. Thedevice according to claim 1, wherein the external protective layer andthe panel module layer together comprise: a first curved surface parthaving a first curvature; a flat surface part contiguous to the firstcurved surface part; and a second curved surface part contiguous to theflat surface part, the second curved surface part having a secondcurvature.
 9. An electronic device having a curved surface display area,the electronic device comprising: a display comprising: glass comprisingan edge having a certain curvature; an opaque layer disposed at the edgeof the glass; and a panel module layer comprising a non-display areadisposed under the opaque layer; and a housing supporting the display.10. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the housingcomprises a groove, and the non-display area is inserted in the groove.11. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the housingcomprises: a rail groove formed in a longitudinal direction to a surfaceof the housing facing the display; and a protective member inserted intothe rail groove.
 12. The electronic device according to claim 9, whereinthe housing comprises a guard disposed higher than a surface of thedisplay and covering an edge of the display.
 13. The electronic deviceaccording to claim 9, wherein the housing comprises: an auxiliary grooveformed in at least a part of an external surface of the housing; and areinforcing member disposed in the auxiliary groove, the reinforcingmember being configured to absorb or disperse a shock.
 14. Theelectronic device according to claim 9, wherein the housing comprises: acurved surface support part facing an end of the display; a rail groovedisposed in a side surface of the curved surface support part; and ashock absorbing member disposed in the rail groove.
 15. The electronicdevice according to claim 9, wherein the housing comprises a batteryplacing part biased, with respect to a center line of the electronicdevice, towards a surface display area of the display having a lowercurvature than that of the curved surface display area.
 16. Theelectronic device according to claim 9, wherein an end portion of thecurved surface display area is substantially straight.
 17. Theelectronic device according to claim 16, wherein an upper surface of thehousing faces the end portion of the curved surface display area, theupper surface comprising a flat surface.
 18. The electronic deviceaccording to claim 9, further comprising an adhesive member disposed onat least a part of an edge between the display and the housing.
 19. Theelectronic device according to claim 9, wherein the electronic devicecomprises a wearable device.
 20. An electronic device having a curvedsurface display area, the electronic device comprising: a displaycomprising: glass comprising an edge having a certain curvature; and apanel module layer protruding over an end of the glass, the panel modulelayer comprising a non-display area; and a housing comprising a grooveinto which the non-display area is inserted.
 21. A display comprising: adisplay panel comprising a display surface, the display surfacecomprising a display region and a non-display region; a substantiallytransparent protective layer disposed on the display surface; and anopaque layer disposed between the protective layer and the displaypanel, the opaque layer covering a portion of the non-display region.22. A display case for a display having a curved edge and comprising asubstantially transparent protective layer, an opaque layer disposed atthe curved edge under the protective layer, and a display panelcomprising a non-display area disposed under the opaque layer, thedisplay case comprising: a housing configured to support the display.23. The display case according to claim 22, wherein the housingcomprises a groove configured to receive the non-display area.
 24. Thedisplay case according to claim 22, wherein the housing comprises: arail groove formed in a longitudinal direction on a surface of thehousing facing the display when the housing supports the display; and aprotective member inserted in the rail groove.
 25. The display caseaccording to claim 22, wherein the housing comprises a guard disposed tobe higher than a surface of the display and covering an edge of thedisplay when the housing supports the display.
 26. The display caseaccording to claim 22, wherein the housing comprises: an auxiliarygroove formed in at least a part of an external surface of the housing;and a reinforcing member disposed in the auxiliary groove configured toabsorb or disperse a shock.
 27. The display case according to claim 22,wherein the housing comprises: a curved surface support part configuredto support the curved edge of the display; a rail groove disposed in aside surface of the curved surface support part; and a shock absorbingmember disposed in the rail groove.
 28. The display case according toclaim 22, wherein the housing comprises a battery repository configuredto receive a battery, the batter repository being biased towards an edgeof the display having a lower curvature than the curved edge.
 29. Thedisplay case according to claim 22, wherein an end portion of the curvededge of the display is substantially straight, and the housing comprisesa substantially flat upper surface facing the end portion when thehousing supports the display.